FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona women's soccer team will begin its first Big Sky Conference home stand this week starting off with preseason number one in the Big Sky, Idaho State. The Lumberjacks began conference play with a thrilling 3-2 double overtime win on the road against Southern Utah with a 40-yard goal from sophomore midfielder Nicole Sherwin. With the win, the Lumberjacks match last year's win total at five games with eight games remaining in the season. After the first 10 games last season, the Lumberjacks had only scored seven goals; this season Northern Arizona has doubled their scoring thus far with 14 goals. The defense has also improved giving up only 11 goals while allowing 17 last season through the first 10 games. Friday's match against Idaho State is "Think Pink Night" and the first 200 fans will receive a pink NAU water bottle in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Series

This will be the 18th meeting between Northern Arizona and Idaho State with the Bengals having the upper hand with an 8-7-3 record against the Lumberjacks. Idaho State won the last meeting in Pocatello last season 2-1. This is also the 18th meeting between Northern Arizona and Weber State with the Wildcats leading the series 11-6-2. The Lumberjacks were able to pull out 1-0 win last in Ogden, Utah.

Scouting Idaho State

Idaho State will begin their road trip in Flagstaff before they end their trip at Southern Utah. The Bengals go into the game with a 4-5-1 record. Idaho State was tied to pick finish first in the Big Sky Conference along with Portland State. Idaho State did receive the most first place votes with four after claiming the Big Sky Championship last season. The Bengals also began conference play last week against Eastern Washington and Montana. Idaho State defeated Eastern Washington 1-0 and tied with the Griz 1-1 with both games played in Pocatello, Idaho. The Bengals rank 5th in goals scored with 13 and are 8th in the conference in goals allowed with 21. The Bengals are led by senior defender Allyson Stainbrook who leads the team with four goals this season. Junior forward Amanda Ellsworth has also been playing well this season with three goals and one assist (7 points).

Scouting Weber State

Weber State is off to a hot start in Big Sky Conference play with a 2-0 record defeating Montana and Eastern Washington. The Wildcats were picked to finish fourth in the conference, two spots ahead of Northern Arizona. Weber State has been stellar on defense this year allowing a conference best nine goals. Teams have been averaging 0.85 goals a game against the Wildcats while on offense they average 1.50 goals a game. Sophomore forward Mackenzie Harrison leads the Wildcats with five goals and is currently third in the Big Sky with 10 points. Senior goalkeeper Ryann Waldman has been great in front of the net with a 0.94 goals against average.